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Mayor's Update



October 27, 2023




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First Responders Day

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Happy Friday Kent,

Saturday is National First Responders Day!

I am so incredibly thankful for our first responders in Kent, around the region, and across the nation. These essential workers are nothing short of heroes for our communities.

If you see a police officer, a firefighter, a paramedic, an EMT, or a dispatcher this weekend, or any day—please thank them.

When faced with an emergency, these brave men and women are first on the scene. They constantly put themselves in harm's way to protect our community and save lives.

There are some fun events for Halloween in the next few days, check them out below!

We hope to see you there! 

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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It was a fantastic way to start Wednesday!

I had the honor to read to the kids at Bright Horizons at Centerpoint for "Read for the Record".

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is the world’s largest shared reading experience and celebrates and supports children’s early language and social emotional development. More than 26 million people have participated. This year’s book was the amazing "With Lots of Love" by Jenny Torres Sanchez. 

mayor reading

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spud with chief

This August, the Beacon Plumbing honorary office manager "Spud" went missing.

Kent PD put out the message on social media and after a few days he was found. 



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"Spud" and his crew stopped by this week to thank the police officers that found him, and treated the Kent PD staff to lunch! 

Thanks for the tacos, Spud!  

spud with chief

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*Haunted Boo-levard*

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BooLevard

Halloween is on Tuesday! So, put on your best costume and join us for a free spooktacular trick-or-treating event!

Kids can trick or treat around Kent Station and participating businesses, then stroll down Ramsay Way for a trunk or treat!

Be sure to vote for your favorite decorated trunk and stick around for dinner! 

?? Tuesday, October 31
⏱ 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. 
?? Kent Station

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Grab your most creative costumes and head to downtown Kent for the 5th Annual Street of Treats Autumn Fest!

?? Saturday, October 28
⌚ 2 - 5 p.m.
?? 302 W Meeker St

Participating businesses will be welcoming visitors to stop in for Spooktacular treats. (Teal pumpkin friendly too!) Please support the Kent Food Bank by bringing a non-perishable food donation.  *Register online here. [ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/street-of-treats-autumn-fest-2022-tickets-410713644567?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

There will also be a costume contest, kid’s activities, photo opportunities, and clowning around with Boy Scout Troop #480, Allegro Dance Academy, Sound Transit, Zero & Somebuddy, Kent Police Department and more!

street of treats

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*Fall Curbside Cleanup*

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curbside clean up

It's Fall Curbside Clean-up Time!

With Kent's annual Spring and Fall Curbside Clean-up programs, you can get rid of your extra yard waste and garbage for free!

Just place your extra garbage and yard waste at the curb on your regular yard waste pick-up day November 6-17. You can see more details on our website. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works/environmental/talking-trash-recycle-and-clean-up-events-for-residents/spring-fall-curbside-clean-up?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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vote

Have you voted yet? Your vote is your voice, so make it count! Take some time, learn about what each candidate supports, and vote! 

The deadline for in-person voting in the General Election is coming up Tuesday, November 7 at 8 p.m. 

*You can check your status at VoteWA.gov. [ https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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*Medicine Take Back Day*

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medicine take back day

The Kent Police Department is participating in a nationwide program to take unwanted or expired prescription drug medications!

?? Tomorrow, October 28
⌚ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
?? Kent Police Department, 232 4th Ave S

If you have unnecessary medication at home and are looking for a safe way to dispose of it, this is it! For more information on what is accepted and what we cannot accept, click here [ https://www.kentwa.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/5630/587?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]. 

Please contact Stacy Judd at sjudd@kentwa.gov or 253-856-5883 if you have any additional questions.

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neighborhood grant workshop

Our city Neighborhood Matching Grant Program offers matching funds on a competitive basis to recognized neighborhood councils to develop and implement projects which will enhance the livability of their communities.

Our city provides some amazing opportunities with grant money to communicate and beautify neighborhoods.

Here [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/neighborhood-matching-grant-projects?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] are some fantastic examples.

We have put together a neighborhood grant workshop on December 2 at the Kent Senior Activity Center.

Please email Tracy Taylor ttaylor@kentwa.gov to sign up



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Sound Transit is considering changes to Link light rail fares and our parking program. We want your feedback to help us create a more accurate and equitable picture of what works for our riders. To learn more and take the survey *visit this link!* [ https://soundtransitfaresandparking.infocommunity.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  

sound transit

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metro flex

Metro Flex is an on-demand neighborhood transit service available in Kent. 
With on simple app, and just a few taps, you can ride anywhere in the service area, all for the same cost as a bus trip. 
Metro Flex is convenient, fast, affordable transit at your fingertips! 



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*Arbor Day *

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arbor Day

Sign up to volunteer for hands on environment conservation with our Parks team!
All ages are welcome to help keep our parks and natural areas healthy and thriving!

At this year's Arbor Day event, we will be celebrating Kent's 22nd year as a Tree City USA! Volunteers will work alongside Kent Parks staff to remove invasive blackberry bushes, mulching and plant native trees, shrubs and pollinator plants. 

*Help us, help the environment! Sign up here!  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]
*

?? Saturday, November 4*
*⌚ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. *
*?? Morrill Meadows Park

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The Kent Parks ShoWalk program returns to the accesso ShoWare Center next month!

This FREE, indoor walking program offers a warm and dry place to walk and stay active during the cold, wet months.

The program begins in mid-November and will run through May – stay tuned for a full schedule!

showalk

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senior center

The Kent Senior Activity Center has an Outdoor Recreation program.  Adults 50+ are encouraged to sign up for day trips, hiking, golfing, snow sports, and fishing - get out and explore with us!

*Check out the upcoming programs scheduled for the next few months!  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/senior-programs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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*Salt Air Vista Park Grand Opening*

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salt air vista park

The Salt Air Vista Park Renovation Project was completed earlier this year, and Tuesday, November 7, we’ll be commemorating the occasion with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony!

Stop by to join the fun, pick up a Kent Parks freebie, and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on what type of tree you’d like to see planted at the park.

??Tuesday, November 7
⌚12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
??Salt Air Vista Park (24615 26th Pl S)

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Fall weather has returned! Beat those cold, rainy mornings with Indoor Park at the Kent Commons Community Center.

The program runs Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. Open to all kids 10 months to 4.5 years of age.

Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 for more details.

Indoor Park

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youth basketball

When children play sports, we ALL win! Research shows participation in youth sports help students thrive in school, improve children’s mental health, and provide opportunities to develop social skills.

Registration for Youth Winter Basketball is open for students in grades K-12. Register now at *MyKentParks.com/Register [ http://mykentparks.com/Register?fbclid=IwAR3CFWD05YqRTr79aWdjNX8ukdDZFvbWOmZqdpI6bk3H0Cehg66ovP4iLfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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It's always a good day when new art is installed! Check out artist Matt Babcock's "Blue Spoonbill" sculpture.

It is part of our new Willis Street Greenways Sculpture Exhibition and will be on display for two years.

It is located on the north side of Willis Street, near the 4th Avenue roundabout.

kent art

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Spotlight Series 

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magical Strings

The 2023-2024 Spotlight Series is underway! 
Magical Strings 37th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert, is Sunday, December 3 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition here in our community. Tickets for this incredible concert will sell out – be sure to get yours online soon! Purchase tickets and *see the full line-up of performances 2024 season online here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Business or Leisure Tourism Grants Available

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LTAC

*The City of Kent has opened applications for the Business or Leisure Tourism Promotion Grant for 2024-25 projects. Applications are being accepted online until October 31, 2023. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions/lodging-tax-advisory-committee/lodging-tax-grant-application-guidelines?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

The program aims to fund the marketing, operation and promotion of activities, events or projects that promote Kent both as a business or leisure destination, ultimately bringing more people to the city from at least 50 miles away.

Organizations with a creative vision for events or initiatives that attract visitors to Kent are eligible to apply. Projects that draw overnight visitors will be prioritized.

Kent’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will review the applications in November and make funding recommendations to the Kent City Council.

The grant awards are selected via a competitive process and are provided on a reimbursable basis. Complete program eligibility requirements and criteria is available online [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions/lodging-tax-advisory-committee/lodging-tax-grant-application-guidelines?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].

The money for grant awards is made possible by the collection of a one percent state tax on overnight hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast stays. State law dictates who is eligible to apply, and mandates the funds be used for marketing and promotion of business and leisure tourism

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Business Impact NW

Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower our local entrepreneurs.

If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are not only extensive but also easy to navigate, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit *Business Impact NW - City of Kent [ https://businessimpactnw.org/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Holiday Craft Market 

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craft market [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/annual-holiday-craft-market?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

The Kent Parks Holiday Craft Market is coming back! This annual event is a great place to drop by and get some holiday shopping done early.

There are dozens of vendors who offer an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts. Hope to see you there!

?? Friday, November 3
⌚ 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

?? Saturday, November 4
⌚ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission and parking are free, and *additional details can be found online. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/senior-programs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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christmas rush

Registration is open for our annual 5k/10k Fun Run & Walk.

The Christmas Rush is a beloved holiday event in our community, and I am looking forward to seeing those runners and walkers take to the course again this year. 

?? Saturday, December 9
⏲ 9:50 a.m.
?? Hogan Park, 25500 Russell Road

*The deadline to register and receive a shirt is November 9* – don’t miss out! Learn more and register online at* KentWA.gov/ChristmasRush. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/christmas-rush-fun-run-and-walk/-fbclid-IwAR36e6OWB6NsRILHehaVtbJYk23wvOpo1lQyDK_tnsTNqRxCqOVU7I0AYuI?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so here's another reminder with some *best practices [ https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to stay safe.


* Enabling multi-factor authentication
* Using strong passwords
* Updating software
* Recognizing and reporting phishing
cybersafe

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HIring

We're HIRING! Check out our featured jobs and great opportunities on our hiring page at *Jobs.KentWA.gov*! [ https://jobs.kentwa.gov/jobs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



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Applications are still being accepted for the city's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Board. The goal of the board is to increase engagement, integration and access to city services for all cultural communities in Kent.

You can learn about the city's work in these areas and the Equity Strategic Plan at *KentWA.gov/Race-Equity, [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/race-equity?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and *apply to be on the board* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].

diversity

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raskc

Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.



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Don't forget to check out the new episode of the KentNOW podcast!  Tracy, Josh and Kevin talk to Jordan Gustafson from the Seattle Thunderbirds about his injury and how the team is hoping to make another championship run! Listen to new and previous episodes on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

KentNow

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Translations

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translations

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City of Kent, Washington

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